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October, 2011:

Public Transport Investment Will Improve Service

Oct 19th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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Thanks to its success as a business, lifestyle and travel destination, Singapore has become an increasingly popular hub. In 2010, 11.6 million visitors came to the country, with even greater figures expected for this year. Last December alone, visitor arrivals hit a record 1,127,000.


(With the government stepping up public transport investments, how will these improvements affect property and housing?)

With burgeoning numbers of people in town, the downside is that rush hour, particularly in the city centre, can be a busy, crowded hassle. It can be increasingly difficult for commuters to find space on crowded trains and buses, or have much chance of catching a cab without a lengthy wait.

Luckily, Singapore is stepping up its investments into public transport. Over the next five years, more trains and buses will hit the streets. The opening of Stage Four and Five of the Circle line this month has already seen travel times shortened and areas previously without MRT access opening up. Under the Land Transport Masterplan, $60 billion will flow into the building of new MRT lines.

Speaking about the issue, the Ministry of Transport recently said that “we are also finalising plans for additional lines and extensions beyond 2020 to improve the network and service new areas.”

To further amplify commuter ease and comfort, bus transport will also receive a revamp, the ministry revealed. Under a five-year plan, the service and connectivity of bus routes will be improved. The Ministry added that “more integrated transport hubs will also be built to enhance bus-rail transfers and provide commuters with better real-time bus information.”

Other improvements include an increase in the number of wheelchair-accessible bus services. Currently, a third of existing routes are wheelchair-friendly, but under the plan, 80% of services will be able to accommodate wheelchairs in five years.
While some public transport fares recently increased, the ministry explained that they were aware of the need to keep transport affordable, despite future improvements. “The Public Transport Fare Adjustment Formula will be reviewed to balance affordable fares with an efficient and sustainable public transport industry,” they said.

Car owners will be glad to hear that their journeys in certain areas may now be less costly. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) hours have been shortened on the Central Expressway (CTE) and Chinatown area, with charges starting at 5:30pm and ending at 8:30pm instead of 10:30pm, as was the case under the previous system.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA), which implemented these changes in response to driver feedback, detailed the advantages of their new charge rules, stating that “these will give motorists greater flexibility in timing their homebound trips.”

If you are interested in how public transport can affect property and housing, head to the iProperty.com EXPO, held this month at Marina Bay Sands. On October 29 and 30, Mr. Ho Chin Soon, founder of Ho Chin Soon Research, will be discussing the Greater KL – MRT Circle and Putrajaya lines. Visit www.iproperty.com/expo/ for more details.

Tighter criteria for PRs buying landed housing

Oct 13th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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It will now be tougher for permanent residents (PRs) to purchase landed homes, with the government making the criteria for non-Singaporeans looking to buy such properties more stringent.


(Authorities expect foreign ownership of landed property to be kept at 4% with the tightened criteria.)

Because of this, Law and Foreign Minister K Shanmugam expects the number of approved applications by PRs to drastically fall. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We have always taken a very strict approach as to whom we will allow... This year we tightened [the restrictions] even further. I think probably fewer than half of those who have previously qualified under the already strict criteria probably now qualify. I'll be surprised if approvals are more than 50 per year.”

Mr Shanmugam did not let on the specific changes made to the criteria.

The issue of foreign ownership of property has been a hot topic of late, with reports showing a significant percentage of private housing being taken up by PRs.

Currently, PRs seeking out landed property have to apply to the Singapore Land Authority’s Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, where they will be assessed based on factors such as professional qualifications, work experience and investment in Singapore. The minister emphasised that approval depends on economic and social contributions, as well as the applicant’s commitment to Singapore. According to Mr Shanmugam, it is quite unlikely for an application to be approved “unless you make a very, very significant economic contribution or your family is rooted in Singapore and, say, your children are doing national service”.

PRs are not allowed to buy landed housing with more than 15,000 sq ft, meaning they are effectively restricted from purchasing a Good Class Bungalow. Non-PRs can only purchase landed homes at Sentosa Cove.

Figures provided by the Ministry of Law say about 230 applications for landed property purchase come from PRs each year, around 140 (or 60%) of which receive the go-ahead. Said Mr Shanmugam, “We have kept foreign ownership of landed property in Singapore to under 5%... It's actually closer to 3.5%.” According to a spokesperson from the Law Ministry, this percentage has not significantly changed in the past three years.

Mr Shanmugam explained, “We’ve made the criteria very strict because our belief is that landed property has to be primarily for Singaporeans and the exceptions must be very rare. For the foreseeable future, what I’ve said in Parliament is that we'll keep it to 4% or so.”

Offering his two cents is managing director of RealStar Premier Group William Wong, who told The Straits Times that PRs comprise some 20% of the landed property seekers his agency sees per month. He said, “Over the last few years, more and more PRs have been trying to buy landed property: They believe that it preserves more of its value due to the limited supply, and it's a more stable and reliable investment option.” His agency sells 10 to 20 such properties monthly.

On a related note, Mr Shanmugam pointed out that restricting foreigners from buying landed property does not equal restricting the prices of such homes. “How the developers price it, that’s not within our control.”

Tighter criteria for PRs buying landed housing

Oct 13th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
Comments are off for this post
It will now be tougher for permanent residents (PRs) to purchase landed homes, with the government making the criteria for non-Singaporeans looking to buy such properties more stringent.


(Authorities expect foreign ownership of landed property to be kept at 4% with the tightened criteria.)

Because of this, Law and Foreign Minister K Shanmugam expects the number of approved applications by PRs to drastically fall. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We have always taken a very strict approach as to whom we will allow... This year we tightened [the restrictions] even further. I think probably fewer than half of those who have previously qualified under the already strict criteria probably now qualify. I'll be surprised if approvals are more than 50 per year.”

Mr Shanmugam did not let on the specific changes made to the criteria.

The issue of foreign ownership of property has been a hot topic of late, with reports showing a significant percentage of private housing being taken up by PRs.

Currently, PRs seeking out landed property have to apply to the Singapore Land Authority’s Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, where they will be assessed based on factors such as professional qualifications, work experience and investment in Singapore. The minister emphasised that approval depends on economic and social contributions, as well as the applicant’s commitment to Singapore. According to Mr Shanmugam, it is quite unlikely for an application to be approved “unless you make a very, very significant economic contribution or your family is rooted in Singapore and, say, your children are doing national service”.

PRs are not allowed to buy landed housing with more than 15,000 sq ft, meaning they are effectively restricted from purchasing a Good Class Bungalow. Non-PRs can only purchase landed homes at Sentosa Cove.

Figures provided by the Ministry of Law say about 230 applications for landed property purchase come from PRs each year, around 140 (or 60%) of which receive the go-ahead. Said Mr Shanmugam, “We have kept foreign ownership of landed property in Singapore to under 5%... It's actually closer to 3.5%.” According to a spokesperson from the Law Ministry, this percentage has not significantly changed in the past three years.

Mr Shanmugam explained, “We’ve made the criteria very strict because our belief is that landed property has to be primarily for Singaporeans and the exceptions must be very rare. For the foreseeable future, what I’ve said in Parliament is that we'll keep it to 4% or so.”

Offering his two cents is managing director of RealStar Premier Group William Wong, who told The Straits Times that PRs comprise some 20% of the landed property seekers his agency sees per month. He said, “Over the last few years, more and more PRs have been trying to buy landed property: They believe that it preserves more of its value due to the limited supply, and it's a more stable and reliable investment option.” His agency sells 10 to 20 such properties monthly.

On a related note, Mr Shanmugam pointed out that restricting foreigners from buying landed property does not equal restricting the prices of such homes. “How the developers price it, that’s not within our control.”

Marine Parade to be retrofitted with senior-friendly amenities

Oct 11th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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Following the initial findings of a major pilot study involving senior citizens of Marine Parade, the final results have been released and are egging the authorities to come up with solutions to combat issues regarding Singapore’s ageing population.


(Among other new elderly-friendly amenities, water taps with level handles will be installed to make daily life easier for seniors.)

Among the findings highlighted is that 80% of about 2,600 seniors aged 60 and above surveyed have at least one chronic disease. Even more troubling, 13% reported that they had four or more conditions of chronic disease. 30% of the elderly residents surveyed said they had fallen or nearly had a fall at home or in the neighbourhood. Finally, 48% said they did not participate in exercises of any form.

At a dialogue event involving residents and grassroots leaders, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong commented that the survey findings were important not only for the Marine Parade GRC ward – of which he is a Member of Parliament (MP) – but for the country as a whole as well. “I am glad that the government is placing emphasis on the old,” he said. “We have spent a lot of funds on the young and the middle-aged workforce such as the baby bonus, Edusave and all kinds of training schemes. As for the old, my sense is that we have not paid sufficient attention in the past because the population was not yet ageing, so we did not approach the problem in a comprehensive way.”

By 2030, an estimated one in five (20%) people living in Singapore will be at least 65 years of age.

MP Goh first announced that his ward, which comprises a larger percentage of elderly than most constituencies, would be the focus of a study that will attempt to uncover the different needs of senior residents, almost a year ago in November 2010. The survey is part of a larger five-year multi-agency study that aims to determine the ideal support system to be implemented in Marine Parade and ultimately the rest of Singapore.

As for the action plan, 500 older Marine Parade HDBs are slated to be retrofitted with senior-friendly amenities like ramps at main entrance doors, anti-slip bathroom tiles and level handles for taps. Other ideas so far include a healthy lifestyle corner that could be set up in the neighbourhood’s community centre or residents’ committee, and outreach efforts that could be stepped up to encourage more residents to take part in physical activities and interest groups.

Minister of State for Health Amy Khor, one of the panellists at the dialogue event, said the Singapore Totalisator Board would be covering the retrofitting costs. “We will look into whether this is useful and cost-effective before we can look into the possibility of implementing it on a nationwide basis, subject to discussion with the relevant agencies,” she added.

MP Goh also stated that beyond physical changes, the more difficult task the government faces is to inculcate values of a more gracious society in the younger generation. “This eco-system has to start from young. We have to teach our people to be kind to the old. Those attitudes inculcated will then benefit everyone, as the young would then better understand the plight, vulnerabilities and frailties of the old,” he said.

7 “Uniquely Singapore” Acronyms Every Property Investor Should Know

Oct 10th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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Singapore has been called the “Land of Acronyms”, and with good reason – abbreviations are used widely by locals to refer to highways and buildings, government agencies, financial institutions, political parties … and more.  It should come as no surprise that the local property industry also has its fair share. Here are some of the most commonly used real estate acronyms and abbreviations in Singapore:




While many countries in the world have some form of public housing, Singapore is unique in that about 80% of Singaporeans stay in an HDB flat, giving it the distinction of having one of the highest percentages (if not the highest) of residents in public housing in the world. With the rapidly rising population and land scarcity, the time when an HDB flat hits the S$1 million mark may not be very far away.

2) TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit)

In layman terms, TOP refers to the time when construction is completed and a property is ready to be occupied. The Building Authority would also have issued a Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) at this time. 

3) COV (Cash Over Valuation)

Most commonly used since the rapid increase of HDB prices since 2007, COV refers to the sum above and beyond what the flat is valued at. COVs have been known to reach highs of more than S$50,000 in recent years. Read the amount in COV that most Singaporeans are willing to pay up to here.

4) LTV (Loan to Value)

LTV refers to the maximum amount a bank will lend for the financing of a property purchase. Hence, for a S$1 million property, a LTV of 80% means that the bank will lend a maximum of S$800,000. More recently, a series of cooling measures introduced by the local authorities to discourage speculation have included the lowering of LTV for second mortgages to 60% from 70% previously.

5) SSD (Standard Stamp Duty)

SSD is imposed by IRAS (Internal Revenue Authority Singapore) on both buyers and sellers of property, and is calculated according to the amount of the property purchase value. For buyers, SSD is calculated according to a “tier” system, with 1% imposed on the first S$180,000, 2% on the next S$180,000, and 3% thereafter. The recent cooling measures have also included new SSD rates ranging from 4% to 6% for residential properties disposed of within 4 years of acquisition.

6) VTO (View To Offer)

VTO is commonly used in open listings, and can sometimes mean that the owner is “testing the waters” by not indicating an asking price in order to see what offers his property can attract. In some instances, a VTO listing may mean that the flat may not have had its valuation exercise completed.

7) Co-Broke


As both the buyer and seller may have agents on each end, a co-broke refers to the agreement where agents on both side agree to share exclusive listings with one another, with a 50-50 split of commission. However, the co-broke system is sometimes abused, in cases where agents may not reveal higher offers or encourage a client to buy a more expensive flat in order to maximize his commission.

Insider Insights from IEA Conference 2011: What it means for you as a Consumer

Oct 5th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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While the Institute of Estate Agents (IEA) Conference is generally regarded as an industry-specific event for those in the property field, this year’s conference, attended by over 300 real estate agents, covered valuable insider tips which consumers can use to grab the advantage when negotiating with their property agents.  

Read on for the key topics discussed behind closed-doors to understand the advantages that the new Estate Agents Act provides to the consumer, and how you can use these tips to gain an upper hand in your real estate transactions.


No Dual Representation of Buyer & Seller

In order to prevent conflict of interest, the new CEA (Council for Estate Agents) regulations stipulate that the same agent is not allowed to represent both the buyer and seller, or receive commission from both parties. Previously, agents could collude with each other in a co-broking arrangement by picking only specific agents who were their friends or spouse to work with, in order to share commission under such an arrangement. 

With the new regulations, buyers and sellers now enjoy a greater level of protection in knowing that their agents are legally obligated to disclose all offers, so the seller has the choice of can pick the best offer price and each prospective buyer has an equal chance of winning the bid. 


No Holding of Funds by the Agent: Using Conveyancy Accounts

Although property buyers may find it more convenient to hand over a check for the deposit directly to their agent, they should bear in mind that the CEA bans agents from handling cash when carrying out their work of buying and selling of properties in Singapore. The correct procedure is for buyers to insist on a separate account for the handling of their money to safeguard their deposits. 

While clients may have complete trust in the integrity of their real estate agents and lawyers, they should bear in mind there have been as many as 4 reported cases of rogue lawyers running away with their client’s funds in the last 6 years. Hence, buyers should take advantage of the new measures to safeguard buyer’s deposits that require that deposits have to be held in a newly-formed bank account, called a Conveyancing Account, where the withdrawal of funds will require authorization from lawyers from both the buyer and seller’s side. Should buyers prefer to have their funds held by a third party, they also have the option of hiring the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) to hold the conveyancing money if they prefer.


The CEA: An Advocate for Consumer Rights

While property agents should and very often, do work in the best interests of their clients, it can only be to the buyer or seller’s advantage to educate himself on what their rights are as consumers. Should the consumer believe their property agent has failed in his professional duties, the CEA is a resource available to consumers as an avenue for dispute resolution. Consumers may file their complaints in writing, in person at the CEA office at HDB Hub, or by phone or email. 

The Complaint Form is also available for download on the CEA website. To date, the CEA has received about 1200 complaints since its formation as a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development in October 2010. 

Continued Slowdown of Growth in Singapore’s Private Housing Market

Oct 4th, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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Affected by the aftershocks of continuing economic hard times around the world and particularly in Western Europe, as well as cooling measures from the government authorities, private home prices in Singapore have shown a slower pace of growth.


(Singapore property growth is slowing.Image courtesy of thinkstock)

For the eight consecutive quarter since the final quarter of 2009, private residential property prices have continued to moderate, says a recent flash estimate of the property index by the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority). Their findings show that the index for the third quarter 2011 rose by 1.3%, compared to a 2% increase in the previous quarter.

Furthermore, non-landed private residential properties showed an increase of 0.8% in the Core Central Region, 1.1% in the Rest of Central Region and 2.1% Outside the Central Region in this quarter. In the previous quarter of this year, non-landed private residential properties increased in price by 1.6% (Core Central Region), 1.1% (Rest of Central Region) and 1.7% (Outside Central Region). 

These estimates, however, are to be interpreted carefully, cautions the URA. The information was compiled based on transaction prices given in caveats lodged in the first ten weeks of the quarter, supplemented by information on the number of new units sold. A full update will be released in four weeks when the complete third quarter real estate statistics. The URA’s release also adds that, based on similar projections made in the past, “the difference between the quarterly price changes indicated by the flash estimate and the actual price changes could be significant when the change is small.”

In a bid to minimise the risk of a property price bubble, Singapore regulators have taken precautions such as increasing the amount of available land and reducing the amount buyers can borrow for second properties. As the world economy continues to suffer destabilising shocks, private home buyers in Asia may become more cautious.  

The public property market, on the other hand, has been harder to curb. Earlier this week, the Housing Development Board (HDB) released figures detailing a rise in the resale price index. Since the last quarter, prices increased by 3.8%, its highest rise this year. The first quarter of 2011 saw the HDB price index growing by 1.6%, followed by 3.1% in the second quarter.

These figures are partly a result of measures put in place in January of this year which have created a dip in the public housing supply, including a five-year minimum occupation period for HDB tenants and a lowered 60% loan-to-value ratio.

Private resale prices reach a plateau

Oct 3rd, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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Prices of homes in the private resale sector remained flat in August following a similar pattern the month before.


(Prices for private resale homes remain flat for the second month in a row.Image courtesy of thinkstock.)

This is according to the Singapore Residential Price Index (SRPI), an index that tracks transactions in completed projects. Flash estimates of the SRPI indicate zero overall price growth in August, while revised numbers for the month of July also showed zero growth in overall residential prices. Previous flash estimates for July showed a 0.2% overall rise. In June this year, prices increased 0.7% overall.

What, then, do these flat lining prices mean? Insiders say the prices suggest buyers are taking a cautious approach to property due to the current economic uncertainty. Speaking to The Straits Times, they said the flash August values reflected that affordability was a top priority among buyers.

Coincidentally, the previous time the index reached a month-on-month plateau was in July 2010, observed DTZ South-east Asia research head Ms Chua Chor Hoon.

However Associate Professor Lum Sau Kim of the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Institute of Real Estate Studies and Department of Real Estate, whose team compiles the index, explained that the current situation should not be directly compared to that of last July. This is because the index methodology was altered this July to “account specifically for the influence of small or shoebox units”. Said Lum, “What we can say is that our August flash estimate shows that overall housing prices in the non-landed private market have remained relatively unchanged between July and August based on data captured by September 21.”

Indeed, August’s flat price index could be attributed to the rising values of shoebox flats being offset by modest movements in central and suburban Singapore. These shoebox flats – typically 500 sq ft or below – saw a price growth of 3.1% in August, rebounding from a 0.5% dip in July. Head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle South-east Asia Dr Chua Yang Liang said the rise in shoebox prices for August could be attributed to more buyers turning to cheaper apartments. “At the end of the day it's about affordability... it's the total quantum, total lump sum that buyers are looking at. Shoeboxes tend to fare better.”

DTZ’s Ms Chua also commented that the outlook is more cautious now, although she added the monthly index tended to be volatile, so revised values could turn out quite different. One such example can be found in flash estimates for July shoebox unit prices, which indicated a 1.4% growth. The revised numbers showed a drop by 0.5%.

On the other hand, August unearthed little price movement for regular-sized flats in central and suburban areas. Central area values dropped 0.7%, even after a 1.3% dip in July. Things look better on the suburban front as prices rose 0.5% in August, after July’s 1% increase.

Said Dr Chua, “The market is in a bit of a wait-and-see (mood), given the economic uncertainty.”

Top Property Searches in Q3 2011

Oct 3rd, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
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Singapore is abuzz in the 3rd quarter of 2011 - the Singapore Presidential Election, the Formula One races, Mid-Autumn Festival and some not very nice happenings (haze, for example). As we draw a close to this eventful quarter, here's a glimpse into what you have been searching on iProperty.com.sg.

In this quarter, over 1.78 million unique visitors (Source: Google Analytics, Jul to Sep 2011) have visited iProperty.com Singapore. According to comScore Media Metrix, Singapore March-July 2011, iProperty.com.sg is once again #1 for real estate in Singapore.

And despite the Hungry Ghost Festival, one unique search is conducted every 8.44s from July to September 2011. So, what exactly have you been searching for? Which are the most popular districts? What condos have you been looking at? What are the top non-condo keywords?  Which are the most searched new property development?

Top 10 Most Searched Districts – Q3 2011 (Jul-Sep)

The top 2 districts were no surprises here. Similar to the ranking in H1 2011, District 15 (East Coast area) topped the charts. This district saw 406 private property transactions, which translates to 7.6% of the total private property transaction volume in Q3. District 19 (North East area) is a close 2nd with 6.74% of total unique searches. However, this district saw 648 private property transactions, 12.1% of total private property transaction volume.

District 9 (Orchard area) climbed 1 rank up to take the no.3 spot, and District 5 (South West area) rose 2 ranks to take the no.4 spot. District 10 (Central - Near Orchard area) remained in the top 5, commanding 5.60% of total unique searches.

Top 20 Most Searched Condominiums – Q3 2011 (Jul-Sep)

Icon is the most searched condominium on iProperty.com.sg, witnessing high search volume with its relatively high rental yield. Located in District 2, Icon had a median psf of S$1,728 in September*. Its median rental in 2011Q2 was S$6.56 psf per month*.

The Sail @ Marina Bay came in second. This luxury condo at Marina Boulevard had a median psf of S$2,062 in September and median rental in 2011Q2 was S$5.99 psf per month*.

Tied at the 3rd position are Parc Oasis and City Square Residences. Parc Oasis, located at Jurong East Avenue 1 and outside the Central region, had a median psf of S$815 in September and a median rental of S$2.79 psf per month in 2011Q2*. Its popularity is probably due to its convenient location and proximity to schools and MRT. City Square Residences on Kitchener Link commanded a higher median price at S$1,436 psf in September and consequently enjoyed a higher median rental of S$4.17 psf per month in 2011Q2.

Condominiums in District 16 seemed to be popular with property hunters. The Bayshore, Bayshore Park, and Costa Del Sol made it to the charts this quarter.

Top 10 Most Searched New Developments – Q3 2011 (Jul-Sep)

Woodhaven reigned in the searches for new launches, commanding 10.69% of the total unique searches on new condo developments. Located at Woodgrove Avenue in District 25, its median price accruing from Developers' sales in Aug 2011 was S$995 psf.

This quarter, we witnessed a close battle between 3 new developments for the no.2 spot - Skyline Residences, The Greenwich, and The Cape all taking up search volume in the 8% range. Skyline Residences, located in District 4 along Telok Blangah Road, enjoyed a median price of S$1,945 psf in Sep 2011*. The Greenwich, a new development along Yio Chu Kang, commanded a median price of S$1,489 psf in Aug 2011 from Developers' sales*. Lastly, District 15's The Cape saw a high median price of S$2,093 psf in July 2011*.

Other non-condo names keywords that property buyers and investors are looking for when they are searching for their ideal home or investment property on iProperty.com.sg include:
Studio, Shophouse, MRT, Mandarin Gardens, Simei, Holland and Freehold

*Source: URA Property Market Information

Top Property Searches in Q3 2011

Oct 3rd, 2011
by Singapore Property Resources and Guides, HDB, Districts and Archived listings.
Comments are off for this post

Singapore is abuzz in the 3rd quarter of 2011 - the Singapore Presidential Election, the Formula One races, Mid-Autumn Festival and some not very nice happenings (haze, for example). As we draw a close to this eventful quarter, here's a glimpse into what you have been searching on iProperty.com.sg.

In this quarter, over 1.78 million unique visitors (Source: Google Analytics, Jul to Sep 2011) have visited iProperty.com Singapore. According to comScore Media Metrix, Singapore March-July 2011, iProperty.com.sg is once again #1 for real estate in Singapore.

And despite the Hungry Ghost Festival, one unique search is conducted every 8.44s from July to September 2011. So, what exactly have you been searching for? Which are the most popular districts? What condos have you been looking at? What are the top non-condo keywords?  Which are the most searched new property development?

Top 10 Most Searched Districts – Q3 2011 (Jul-Sep)

The top 2 districts were no surprises here. Similar to the ranking in H1 2011, District 15 (East Coast area) topped the charts. This district saw 406 private property transactions, which translates to 7.6% of the total private property transaction volume in Q3. District 19 (North East area) is a close 2nd with 6.74% of total unique searches. However, this district saw 648 private property transactions, 12.1% of total private property transaction volume.

District 9 (Orchard area) climbed 1 rank up to take the no.3 spot, and District 5 (South West area) rose 2 ranks to take the no.4 spot. District 10 (Central - Near Orchard area) remained in the top 5, commanding 5.60% of total unique searches.

Top 20 Most Searched Condominiums – Q3 2011 (Jul-Sep)

Icon is the most searched condominium on iProperty.com.sg, witnessing high search volume with its relatively high rental yield. Located in District 2, Icon had a median psf of S$1,728 in September*. Its median rental in 2011Q2 was S$6.56 psf per month*.

The Sail @ Marina Bay came in second. This luxury condo at Marina Boulevard had a median psf of S$2,062 in September and median rental in 2011Q2 was S$5.99 psf per month*.

Tied at the 3rd position are Parc Oasis and City Square Residences. Parc Oasis, located at Jurong East Avenue 1 and outside the Central region, had a median psf of S$815 in September and a median rental of S$2.79 psf per month in 2011Q2*. Its popularity is probably due to its convenient location and proximity to schools and MRT. City Square Residences on Kitchener Link commanded a higher median price at S$1,436 psf in September and consequently enjoyed a higher median rental of S$4.17 psf per month in 2011Q2.

Condominiums in District 16 seemed to be popular with property hunters. The Bayshore, Bayshore Park, and Costa Del Sol made it to the charts this quarter.

Top 10 Most Searched New Developments – Q3 2011 (Jul-Sep)

Woodhaven reigned in the searches for new launches, commanding 10.69% of the total unique searches on new condo developments. Located at Woodgrove Avenue in District 25, its median price accruing from Developers' sales in Aug 2011 was S$995 psf.

This quarter, we witnessed a close battle between 3 new developments for the no.2 spot - Skyline Residences, The Greenwich, and The Cape all taking up search volume in the 8% range. Skyline Residences, located in District 4 along Telok Blangah Road, enjoyed a median price of S$1,945 psf in Sep 2011*. The Greenwich, a new development along Yio Chu Kang, commanded a median price of S$1,489 psf in Aug 2011 from Developers' sales*. Lastly, District 15's The Cape saw a high median price of S$2,093 psf in July 2011*.

Other non-condo names keywords that property buyers and investors are looking for when they are searching for their ideal home or investment property on iProperty.com.sg include:
Studio, Shophouse, MRT, Mandarin Gardens, Simei, Holland and Freehold

*Source: URA Property Market Information
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